Sage of Humanity

Inside the great hall, numerous cultivators sat upright with solemn expressions, the once light-hearted atmosphere of feasting and merrymaking now replaced by a tense gravity.

In the vast hall, only Pang Huanyin's steady voice echoed continuously.

This journey was not just to fulfill Lu Ye's request, but more importantly, Pang Huanyin wanted to take this opportunity to have a heartfelt conversation with Liu Zhenguan, to discuss the possibility of their two secret realms forming an alliance against the Corpse Race.

Reflecting on the past and considering the present, she analyzed the current situation on the Unparalleled Continent, described the tragic fate of the human race at external outposts, and speculated on the possible future scenarios.

Some silently drank, some watched coldly, and others scoffed...

Even though Liu Zhenguan's dismissive attitude as he sat there was evident, offering no direct response, Pang Huanyin was not discouraged and continued to persuade relentlessly.

Because as long as there was even the slightest possibility, she did not want to miss this chance.

"Mountain Lord Liu, the three great human secret realms do indeed float within the Void, remaining elusive, but how long can this continue? A thousand years ago, the human race on the Unparalleled Continent thrived, but look at us now. If the day ever comes when the humans at the external outposts are all eradicated, can the three great secret realms truly remain untouched? The secret realms and the external outpost humans share the same origin and should advance and retreat together. Mountain Lord Liu, please consider carefully!"

Pang Huanyin's words were earnest, her gaze sincere, her demeanor dignified.

She finally added, "If Mount Sumeru is willing to ally with our Ziwei Dao Palace, our palace is willing to be the errand runner, and see if we can purge this world of its monsters and demons after a thousand years!"

At the head position above, Liu Zhenguan put down his wine cup, exhaled deeply, and nodded, "Palace Master Pang's words make sense, but this matter is of great importance. I cannot make the decision alone; I need to gather the elders of the mountain to discuss it together. If Palace Master wants an immediate answer, I am quite troubled."

Pang Huanyin replied, "It's enough that the Mountain Lord has such a commitment, which is also the fortune of the human race on our Unparalleled Continent."

"However..." Liu Zhenguan narrowed his eyes slightly, fixing his gaze on Pang Huanyin, "I have one thing I don't understand and need Palace Master Pang to clarify."

Pang Huanyin said, "Please speak, Mountain Lord Liu."

"The methods to calculate the portals to the three great human secret realms are all confidential. How did Palace Master Pang learn the method to infer the location of Mount Sumeru's portal? And what means were used to open our Mount Sumeru's portal?"

As Pang Huanyin had previously told Lu Ye, Liu Zhenguan appeared straightforward on the surface but was, in fact, deeply scheming. He had not mentioned a word about their forceful intrusion in the daytime, yet he would inevitably raise the issue when the time came.

Forcefully intruding into someone's portal was indeed a taboo.

If everyone did this, the secret realms would no longer be safe.

Tonight's welcoming feast had numerous strong cultivators from Mount Sumeru both openly and covertly watching, obviously prepared for any eventuality.

Pang Huanyin knew that if she could not provide a satisfactory answer, not only would the already slim chance of an alliance vanish, but whether they could even leave safely was uncertain.

Of course, it was unlikely that Mount Sumeru would kill them, as Liu Zhenguan would not want to offend Ziwei Dao Palace.

"Veteran Siao!" Pang Huanyin called.

Veteran Siao stood up, stepped forward, took out a treasure shaped like a golden ring, and presented it with both hands, "Mount Sumeru's inheritance was broken, and many records are lost. Mountain Lord may not know that when the Mount Sumeru Secret Realm was created, our Ziwei Dao Palace's ancestors contributed a part of the effort, so they left this item and the derivation method, so that if Mount Sumeru ever encountered an unforeseen event, our Ziwei Dao Palace could provide timely assistance."

The specific purpose for which the ancestors of Ziwei Dao Palace left this golden ring treasure could no longer be verified, but it was certainly not as Veteran Siao claimed.

While he spoke, a cultivator from Mount Sumeru took the golden ring from him and presented it to Liu Zhenguan. Liu Zhenguan examined it thoroughly, but found nothing special.

Veteran Siao continued, "Our intrusion into Mount Sumeru was out of necessity, but please rest assured, Mountain Lord. This treasure is the only one our palace's ancestors left, and only I know the method to derive the location of Mount Sumeru's portal. Now, this item is presented, and no one will be able to forcefully enter Mount Sumeru again."

Liu Zhenguan nodded slightly, "Ziwei Dao Palace's ancestors were truly remarkable. This item is mysterious, but I couldn't figure it out. As for what Veteran Siao said, I believe you, but... "

He looked up at Veteran Siao, "Mount Sumeru will accept this item. Even if no one can intrude upon our portal again, how are we to secure the derivation method? Please teach us, Veteran Siao!"

Veteran Siao said, "I shall keep my mouth sealed, and will not pass this method to anyone."

Liu Zhenguan shook his head slowly, "This matter is too significant to tolerate any mistakes."

"What does the Mountain Lord suggest?"

Liu Zhenguan's chubby face quivered slightly, his voice growing cold, "Only the dead can keep secrets."

Pang Huanyin's phoenix eyes darkened sharply.

Veteran Siao nodded, "Mountain Lord is right, only the dead can keep secrets. If Mountain Lord agrees to my Palace Master's request, I will gladly sacrifice my life for Mount Sumeru."

"Veteran Siao!" Pang Huanyin called in a low, firm voice.

Veteran Siao did not look at her but shook his head slowly, staring at Liu Zhenguan, "Mountain Lord, I am old and will not live much longer. I do not fear death. But you are in your prime, with a long life ahead and descendants to consider. Will you not plan for your lineage? Will they remain holed up in this secret realm forever? The world outside was once ours; now we hide and cower. With the human race's outposts in constant peril, life and death uncertain, the three great secret realms have the capacity but only care for themselves, not daring to lead. Such behavior... dishonors the title of a cultivator of the secret realms. My Palace Master is a woman yet has the ambition to bring order to the world. Are you, a man, less than her?"

"Silence!"

"How dare you!"

"You old fool, do you seek death?"

...

When Veteran Siao finished, the Mount Sumeru cultivators were instantly outraged. The hall was filled with swirling spirit force, and the scene became chaotic.

But Veteran Siao did not stop, stepping forward with an imposing presence, "Today's events are our Dao Palace's fault. If the Mountain Lord wants my life to end this trouble, I have no objection. But I only hope that the Mountain Lord can see the situation clearly and agree to join forces with our Dao Palace. If so, I will die content!"

Faced with Veteran Siao's aggressive stance, Liu Zhenguan's face quivered more intensely.

He did not expect that a matter of addressing the method to derive Mount Sumeru's portal would be escalated to such a crucial decision point by this old man's righteous words.

He secretly admired the cunning of the elder, realizing that if he killed Veteran Siao, he would have to agree to ally with the Dao Palace. Otherwise, Pang Huanyin would not remain silent, and to maintain harmony between the two secret realms, she could not vent her hatred either.

But if he didn't kill Veteran Siao, it would be seen as his acknowledgment that today's events should be forgiven, with no more mention of the derivation method.

The elder's seemingly passionate speech, professing willing sacrifice for the human race, was actually pushing him to make a statement.

Liu Zhenguan felt angry but couldn't show it. Just then, a female cultivator hurriedly entered.

Liu Zhenguan stood up abruptly and shouted, "What is it?"

This female cultivator was obviously someone he had stationed at the spirit mountaintop where the two women resided. Could there be an unexpected incident?

This thought shocked Liu Zhenguan, as nothing must happen to one of those two women.

His exaggerated reaction also made Pang Huanyin and Veteran Siao secretly suspicious.

The female cultivator quickly reported, "Mountain Lord, that girl is very pleased with the gift from today's guests and wants to thank them personally!"

Liu Zhenguan let out a long breath, relieved that there was no unexpected incident on that side. As for expressing thanks personally...

"That is not necessary," Liu Zhenguan waved his hand. "Tell them to rest assured."

He was already trying hard to keep that girl hidden. How could he let Pang Huanyin and the others see her before the grand wedding? If Pang Huanyin knew about her capabilities, Ziwei Dao Palace might get greedy ideas.

Historically, among the three great secret realms, it was Ziwei Dao Palace that suffered the most deaths at the hands of the Corpse Race, including those who committed suicide due to the Primordial Corpse Poison.

If Pang Huanyin knew that this girl could cure the Primordial Corpse Poison, she would certainly not let her go.

Thus, Liu Zhenguan would never let Pang Huanyin see the girl easily.

He was also curious about the gift from Ziwei Dao Palace that pleased her so much, making her want to express her thanks personally.

"Mountain Lord, the sisters could not stop her..." The female cultivator looked fearful, reporting honestly despite guests being present.

"What do you mean, couldn't stop..." Liu Zhenguan's voice trailed off as he realized what was happening. The turbulent spirit force outside the hall and the faint sounds of clashing weapons indicated that someone was breaking through while fighting.

Pang Huanyin looked surprised and signaled Veteran Siao, who quickly retreated.

She was about to whisper instructions to Lu Ye, but he was already looking towards the hall entrance, appearing thoughtful.

"Yiye, what is it?" Pang Huanyin asked.

Lu Ye suddenly smiled, "Nothing."

Pang Huanyin was stunned. Since meeting Lu Ye, this was the first time she saw him smile. She had thought him to be a cold person, but now she realized he could smile too.

Yet this smile seemed to hold deeper meaning?

As she pondered, two figures burst into the hall, followed closely by a group of female cultivators, all looking disheveled and clearly unsuccessful.

These women had tried to stop someone, but to no avail, as the one they tried to stop was extraordinarily powerful. Liu Zhenguan's seemingly perfect plan crumbled before the double-bladed woman's unrivaled strength.